Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
Overview
Highlights
- Comprehensive journey visiting Peru's stunning highlights
- Walk the classic Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu
- Experience a night on Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. The city is...
Today we'll head south on the Panamerican Highway. We'll stop at the ancient religious centre of Pachacamac, whose many pre-Inca and Incan adobe walls and temples have miraculously stood for hundreds of years, preserved by the desert climate. We'll continue to Paracas...
This morning, there's the possibility to take an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see a large colony of sea lions, seabirds and even penguins. We'll then continue south pausing at the huge dunes outside the town at Huacachina Oasis before driving to the ...
Today, we have a full day's drive through desert landscapes. Following the coastal route through the desert, we'll pass the settlement of Puerto Chala. In Inca times relays of chasquis (runners) transported fresh fish 250 kilometres to Cusco in the mountains in just o...
This morning we'll explore this beautiful city, situated at 2,380 metres/7,809 feet and surrounded by snowcapped mountains including the conical peak of El Misti (5,822 metres/19,102 feet). The city itself was founded by the Spanish in 1540, on the site of an old Inca...
Heading north from Arequipa, today we'll enter the world of the Altiplano (high plain). We'll drive behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay, passing herds of llama and alpaca - if we're lucky, we might spot the elusive vicuna. We'll briefly reach the ...
A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Largely unknown to the outside world until the...
From Chivay, we'll make an early start to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, overlooking the magnificent Colca Canyon, where we'll hope to spot the rare Andean Condor. Seeing these magnificent birds in flight is a highlight of any trip. Driving east, via the Patapampa Pa...
The Uros people dwell on the lake itself, on floating islands of totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in the construction of houses and boats. We'll continue by motorboat to Taquile Island which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca ...
This morning, we'll walk across the island to take in the views. On Taquile Island, the local people preserve a rich tradition of music and dance. This is the ideal opportunity to buy locally produced knitted goods - produced by the men of the island. In the afternoon...
Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to Cusco. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano on a public bus, we'll cross La Raya pass (4,335 metres/14,223 feet) and make a stop at the Inca temple of Raqchi,...
Today is free for you to explore the Sacred Valley and there are plenty of things to do. You could choose to visit the market at Pisac, and its incredible Inca ruins spread out amphitheatre fashion far above the town, or walk to the ruins at Moray. There is also th...
Once the Inca Trail permits sell out, we organise our hikes to Machu Picchu along the Quarry Trail, with a fully licenced and experienced trekking guide and the usual crew of porters. We'll let you know prior to booking which permits are available, and the itinerary f...
Inca Trail After a hearty breakfast, we'll cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today, we'll follow the course of the Kusichaca River past small communities, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca orig...
Inca Trail Today we'll have an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres/13,780 feet. The two-hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we'll take it slow and steady with many stops to admire the view an...
Inca Trail Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We'll say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We'll pass the Phuyupatamarca ruins and spend the majority of the morning going down following stone paths and stairways,...
Our final morning in the mountains is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the buil...
This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail,...
Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airp...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Ruth
Apr 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
This trip 'Peru In depth and the Inca trail' was the perfect length of time to spend after a long haul flight. It also meant that we were properly acclimatised by th...
Trusted Customer
Apr 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
What a wonderful way to see Peru! This was a long but such as varied and exciting trip. We started the trip in Lima (a busy and bustling city with lots to see) and t...
Angela
Apr 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
A very full and comprehensive trip with an array of interesting guides contributing their local knowledge along the way, and a nice small friendly group of people. ...
John
Apr 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
The Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail felt like several separate trips all in one. This required a lot of organization of our Leader Darwin to keep the tour on the ri...
Sara
Apr 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
Just back from a wonderful trip to Peru, made extra special by our amazing tour leader, Darwin. So much packed into this trip....would have loved to have stayed eve...
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We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 18
- Dinner : 3
- Lunch : 6
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